Bono on the difference between Grace and Karma

Just yesterday a professing Christian brought up the subject of Karma. I thought it odd, but I think Bono hits it on the head. Karma does exist, but Grace trumps it. Karma is not just an Eastern religion thing. The Bible describes it as an “eye for an eye”. God is a just God, but He desires mercy over justice! He gives it freely if we will take it.

“It’s a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma…

You see, at the centre of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you; an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics – in physical laws – every action is met by an equal or opposite one. Its clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I’m absolutely sure of it.

And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “As you reap, so will you sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news…